It was a night of fiery exchanges and standing ovations at the University of Malta’s Debating Chamber. The annual leaders’ debate, held in the grand Aula Magna, saw the presidents of the Students’ Council and KSU face off, leaving no stone unturned. Here are five key takeaways from the heated discussion.

The lack of affordable student accommodation in Msida and nearby areas was a hot topic. Both leaders agreed that the current situation is dire, with students struggling to find housing within their budget. The KSU President called for more intervention from the government and the University, while the Students’ Council President suggested exploring private-public partnerships to build more student residences.

One student in the audience, who lives in a cramped apartment in Msida, shared, “I’ve had to work two jobs just to afford rent. It’s tough, and I’m not alone.”

The future of the University Library, currently under renovation, sparked a lively debate. The Students’ Council President argued for a more modern, tech-savvy library, while the KSU President emphasized the historic building’s architecture.

Architecture student, Daniel, weighed in, “We need a balance. The library should be a blend of old and new, respecting its history but also catering to our digital age.”

Mental health services on campus were another contentious issue. Both leaders agreed that more needs to be done, but they differed on how to achieve this. The KSU President called for more counsellors, while the Students’ Council President suggested creating a mental health awareness campaign.

Psychology student, Lisa, shared, “I’ve seen firsthand how stressed students are. We need more support, and it’s great to see this being discussed.”

The role of student unions in Malta’s politics was another point of contention. The KSU President argued that student unions should have a stronger voice in national politics, while the Students’ Council President believed their focus should remain on campus issues.

Political science student, Mark, commented, “I think both have valid points. We should be involved in national issues, but we also need to prioritize our students’ immediate needs.”

In a surprising turn, the environment was brought into the debate. The Students’ Council President called for more environmental initiatives on campus, while the KSU President suggested a student-led campaign to clean up nearby beaches.

Environmental science student, Sarah, applauded the idea, saying, “It’s about time we started caring more about our environment. Let’s make this happen!”